The Bureau Of Small Projects

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief revenue officer at AC Global Risk.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We hired The Bureau of Small Projects to develop our website and complete a few other projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Bureau of Small Projects reconstructed a WordPress website. They also created a brochure and some PowerPoint presentations.

What is the team composition?

We worked with six team members, including David (Founder and Creative Director, The Bureau of Small Projects).

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

Someone in my network referred The Bureau of Small Projects. We’re a small company, so we wanted to work with an agency whose founder and leader would be directly involved in the project. We also wanted to hire someone who’d be easy to work with and capable of quickly solving our problems. David was very knowledgeable about the services we wanted, and his personality was an excellent fit for my company.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent between $20,000–$40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together began in December 2018, and we’re still collaborating on some small projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The results have been outstanding. The Bureau of Small Projects put a lot of creativity into building the website and other materials, which are top-notch.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

The Bureau of Small Projects understand the concepts of project management, and they skillfully keep things on track. They have a couple of different people involved in the project management area. The team meets expected delivery dates; if we miss a deadline, it’s generally because my team isn’t able to move fast enough, or we added to the scope.  

The Bureau of Small Projects is very collaborative. They strike a good balance between listening to what we want to do and providing their own creative input. They ultimately make everybody excited about the project. David is always available and responsive, and he does a great job managing the differing personalities and ideas.

Although we were initially hesitant about working with an agency in Los Angeles when we’re in San Francisco, the distance isn't an issue. David came to our office for a preliminary meeting; however, as the work has evolved, face-to-face contact has become less necessary.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Bureau of Small Projects isn’t a cookie-cutter agency; David won’t create a website that looks like everybody else’s, and that was important for us. Their pricing is also very fair.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company is a medical practice. I am the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Bureau Of Small Projects?

We hired the Bureau Of Small Projects to develop a website for our company. Pretty much every company needs to have a website nowadays.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to attract people to our medical practice by generating leads online through our website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found The Bureau of Small Projects through word of mouth. Another physician recommended them to me. They'd built websites for other doctors in the past, so they had relevant experience. 

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The Bureau of Small Projects built a website for our medical practice to help us generate leads. Our patients use the platform to interact with us online. The platform ties all the aspects of our business together. 

They added a blog to offer more information about our services and worked on lead generation. Within the platform, patients can learn about our practice. It links to other third-party companies and our preexisting patient portal so our customers can access their health information.

What was the team composition?

The company’s management worked with me to help make difficult decisions regarding the design. I really enjoyed being a part of the creative process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The Bureau of Small Projects enabled us to get our name out there electronically. They created a top-notch website that generates leads and draws attention to my company. The content on the blog helps potential patients learn about our medical practice. It’s useful internally, and the design is aesthetically pleasing.

I give The Bureau Of Small Projects my highest recommendation. They did a wonderful job. Our new state-of-the-art website has helped our practice become more financially successful. We couldn't function without it.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was very efficient. The team kept us informed throughout the project during each step of the development. 

The Bureau of Small Projects stayed on top of everything and did a great job in every regard. Whenever we had a request or ticket item, they took care of it right away. They’re not only prompt and professional, but also very kind people to work with. 
 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found the professionalism and kindness shown by all members of the company to be very impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I really have enjoyed utilizing this company's services. At this time, I can't think of any areas for improvement. I have absolutely no complaints.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder of Tribe Builder Media, a full service media and PR agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Bureau Of Small Projects?

We needed to hire an external resource to help us with a website redesign because our old website was hacked.

What were your goals for this project?

Since we had very limited time, I wanted someone that could design a new site with limited input from me. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I thought they were easy to work with and able to create a site that was reflective of our agency.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

I gave them very little to work with, and they produced a custom design for a new website.

What was the team composition?

We worked with several people on their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The design and processes were outstanding. Thanks to The Bureau Of Small Projects, we finally got our agency's website back up. That has a big impact on our business.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their team was very well-organized. We communicated via Google Docs and Dropbox. It was easy for us to execute and deliver what they needed to create the site. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The founder is great. He truly understands the needs of business owners, and how design impacts our business.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't name one. They were excellent.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Sacred Wisdom Circle Institute is a nonprofit business that focuses on teaching earth-based spirituality, specifically Native American church teachings and spirituality, but also Eastern Shamanism, etc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We had tried to set up the website using some other folks, but the quality of the appearance didn’t look the way we wanted it to. We have an online course and some other unique things.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our website is built on WordPress. They added a Jupiter theme and used some plug-ins that worked with WordPress. Some of the images they used are from the Adobe Suite products. What is the team composition?

I worked with two people. The majority of my time was spent with David (Founder/Creative Director, The Bureau of Small Projects). He also had somebody who did some training with me. I’m not sure who else was working on the project, but I never interfaced with them directly.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

I found The Bureau of Small Projects on Codeable. In talking to them and looking at their other work, it looked like he could give us the look we wanted. They screen their folks and only pick top people. I was looking for somebody with quality, but I also didn’t have a six-figure budget to work with. They were the best in-between solution for a small nonprofit.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $9,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

People who have seen the site note how much better the site looks. The quality is there. We’ve had really good feedback.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Skype and David was good about taking notes. It would be nice to have a project management software. Dave and I had one little miscommunication, but for the way we did things, it was pretty surprising that we had only one. He took care of resolving it and didn’t charge me. He’s really awesome to work with. We had things that changed over time, and they worked with us on those changes.Their turnaround time was really good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

David is kind, friendly, and wants to take care of the customer. He takes pride in his work. All of that is really impressive. He’s really good to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If they’re going to stick with Codeable, there could be some kind of project management software that could potentially improve the ability to move files and clarify communication.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a tech and publishing startup based in London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We needed help developing two platforms—one for music education and the other for our clients. I've worked with many other developers in the past, but had a lot of issues with the quality of their work and working on a budget.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Bureau is building out two major platforms for us on WordPress. The first platform they've worked on provides user-friendly, powerful services that enable users to post jobs, create profiles, and access a marketplace for suppliers. There's currently no international platform solution like it at the moment.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with David (Founder and Creative Director, The Bureau of Small Projects), who manages other members on his team working on our projects.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We found The Bureau on Codeable's website. We ultimately chose to work with them based on the positive reviews they had received and our initial discussions with them. They seemed to genuinely understand what we were trying to do and had the expertise to make it happen.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent about $5,000 thus far, but we're still waiting on estimates for the next phase of development, which could be upwards of $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in February 2017 and we're in the process of commissioning some new development work with their team. We basically regard them as employees since they're so closely integrated with our company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We've had very positive feedback regarding the look and feel of the website The Bureau built thus far. Their frontend designs are incredibly professional and modern, and the backend is robust. Their web development work has helped inspire confidence in our business and set us apart in the industry.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate mostly through Codeable's platforms, which allow us to upload assets and send messages. The Bureau has been great about meeting deadlines and delivering on budget thus far; any delays have been on our end. Despite their timezone difference, they've been responsive and efficient throughout the engagement.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Whenever I have new ideas, The Bureau provides feedback that's in our best interest. They've made suggestions on how we could approach things in a more cost-effective and efficient manner, so they're good at maintaining control over projects. Most developers will take on any task, but The Bureau is driven by creating excellent outcomes rather than by making as much money as possible from a customer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

For small businesses, in particular, I recommend considering The Bureau for the overall value they bring to the table. They're not the cheapest vendor by the hour, but the value for your money is higher than most developers I've worked with. It makes a huge difference when you're on a tight budget.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a psychologist share a practice with a number of other practitioners. I’m licensed in California.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

I needed a customer acquisition partner to grow my business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They assessed my marketing position and analyzed the best way to drive traffic to my website. The team then revamped the WordPress site and helped me focus my message.

What is the team composition?

I have one main point of contact and have worked directly with three people in total.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

I found them via an online search. The team had great web design capabilities that distinguished them from the competition. They were also experts on branding and messaging.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent less than $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in 2015 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

I’ve increased the number of clients and I’m proud of the new site. After working with at least 10 design vendors, I can say this team is extraordinary.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is very clear about project goals and management processes. Communication was clear; whenever I was confused, they immediately called and talked to me. My contact was always available, enthusiastic, and friendly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their design and messaging skills stand out. The team’s marketing efforts are also exceptional.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing director at Enable Ministry Partners. We’re an IT firm that services churches and all of their technology needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We needed a total website redesign. In the previous year, we had gone through a website design process with another company, but we weren’t happy with the service or the product we received.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They redid our website on WordPress. Specifically, we wanted a platform that supported our desire to be a content-driven website, and they created a really great blog for us. We wanted to focus on SEO and mobile design, and they were really intentional about designing it that way.

What is the team composition?

We had a project manager who was amazing; she was my main point of contact. I was also in contact with two design engineers, and there may have been additional people working on the project too.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

I found them on an independent web developer site. Initially, I was drawn to the way they described their company and their vision. They worked in the Fortune 500 realm in the past, and now they use their expertise to help small businesses have the same kind of quality. Their mission to help small businesses felt very personal, and once I spoke to them for the first time, there was an instant connection. I felt like they were going to take care of us, which they did.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in November 2017, and it was a five-month project. We have signed on to be a recurring customer for maintenance with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They listened really well to what we wanted out of the site from the beginning. We wanted an attractive, user-friendly website, and we wanted it to be driven by the visual images and stories. They understood that, and we are happy with the results.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

They are in the process of switching to more of a ticket-based system. We mainly communicated with our project manager. It was very seamless as she was the person I would reach out to if I had any questions. From my end, it felt very organized because I just went through her.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The customer experience and the relationship they built with us has been amazing. The website they built for us and the work they do is quality. What differentiates them is the way they interact with their clients; they make customer service is the most important thing. They connect with their client and make them feel heard.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I love them. They are making their system more official to document specific bugs or issues that need to be fixed, instead of having clients write up a list.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the founders of SpringML. We specialize in machine learning and data analysis.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We needed a website developed. We’re growing rapidly and our user base wanted to understand who we are and what sort of resources we provide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us design the layout and built the new website for us on WordPress. They provide ongoing support and handle other projects.

What is the team composition?

Our primary point of contact is David (Founder & Creative Director, The Bureau of Small Projects).

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We were introduced to David on a platform called Codeable. We chose him because he had creative design expertise as well as the necessary development expertise.

How much have you invested with them?

We have invested $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The feedback from our internal team is positive. We showed the website to our partners and they really like the layout that we put together.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

David does a really good job of assigning tasks to his team and getting deliverables completed. We use Codeable for communication. David also assigned a designated project manager to keep track of open tasks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their key strength is their consultative nature. They not only do what we want to do, but they give options and come up with the pros and cons. They’re very open about the risk of particular solutions.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They have their expertise clearly laid out and they know their strengths and weaknesses.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Their creators, designers, and website developers are very good on the platform they use, but the project owner needs to be very clear on what they need.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief product officer for an AI platform for employee support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We relaunched the company with a new name and needed help with website redevelopment.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our new website using WordPress.

What is the team composition?

We worked with an excellent project manager, Tammy (Senior Project Manager, The Bureau of Small Things), and David (Founder and Creative Director, The Bureau of Small Projects), the owner of the firm. There were also 2–3 developers.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

A friend who had used them previously referred them. We selected them over other firms because their portfolio was excellent. David is very easy to work with. They understood our priorities and were clearly able to deliver our requirements technically.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from November 2017 until January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They didn’t overcommit; they’re very competent. They made a lot of minor enhancements and changes to the website in the weeks leading up to going live and delivered the completed project based on the original requirements within deadline. They confirmed everything we hoped for going into the relationship was accurate.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very adaptable to our tools. We held five daily check-in calls, and they were always on time. When they said they would do something, they always did. They’re responsive and available.

Our project manager was technical enough to be able to explain what the developers were doing and what the status was. She was clear when there was a change in scope and whether or not there was a cost. Whenever we needed David, he was available as well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were accustomed to using certain WordPress plug-ins on our previous site, so I recommended that we use those. Several times with a form plug-in, David recommended alternative plug-ins. Every time he did, he was right, and we always took his recommendation. He’s very familiar with the various WordPress plug-ins, and it was helpful to be able to trust his judgment.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing negative to say about them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Set clear expectations about your content, vision, and requirements. They’re exceptionally good partners to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of telemedicine services at Traditions Behavioral Health.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Bureau of Small Projects?

We wanted our website to be representative of the quality of work we wanted to convey to both our customers and prospective employees.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a WordPress-based website for us, using modern and supportive plug-ins that would allow us to display contents and gather information through a contact form. They transferred data from our old site, which included upwards of 40 different pages of varying states of repair.

They also helped us with our web hosting, maintenance, and patching going forward.

What is the team composition?

We were in contact with two developers. There were other things going on behind the scenes as well.

How did you come to work with The Bureau of Small Projects?

I worked with them on a personal project before and they did an incredible job with that. I also had a number of colleagues working in a similar sector that also had a very good experience with them. It was an obvious choice to use them and, while this project was quite a bit larger, we wanted to see how they would do.

How much have you invested with them?

It was $10,000. We also subscribed to a $399/month maintenance plan, which includes four creative hours.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We received internal and external feedback that’s very favorable. People find the site significantly easier to navigate to get the information they need. The web contact form is extremely helpful for engaging potential customers as well as bringing on new employees. The embedded videos and graphics also received very good reviews.

We met our initial goals for the launch. Their team was very helpful in meeting the tight deadline we had for that launch. We’re continuing to build and improve.

How did The Bureau of Small Projects perform from a project management standpoint?

It was very personal. A lot of communication was by email and telephone—it was very easy to get regular progress updates on how we were doing and to look at both the big picture and very specific goals. They were excellent with communication. In contrast to working with working with them years ago, it’s clear that they’ve grown. They have additional projects and team members, but still keep things very personal.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of the key strengths was how much detail they went into for every small aspect. It made the site a perfect fit for our business and business model. There are some things about our website that might be counterintuitive as there’s such a wide range of services provided. We wanted to be very clear about exactly what we do. Even though we were dealing with a tech firm, they were fantastic at translating, interpreting, and easily conveying for people who don’t come from a mental health background.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It was an outstanding experience. We came to them at the end of the year when they were finishing several other projects. Things were a little fraught, but that’s more indicative of the time of the year than what I would expect from the company regularly. There’s nothing I can say that they could improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They are a firm that you can come to with an idea or with content. You can either start from scratch or say this is exactly what I want. They’ll meet you either way. For businesses who have an idea of what they want—but don’t quite know how to do it—they offer a lot of creative and artistic input, which is so appreciated.